Inspirations and Wings!

Beginning January 1 Close to My Heart will be featuring a new brochure called Inspirations.  These two layouts of my niece, Ellie, singing in the spring variety show,  include the new Wings Level 2 paper pack (X7135B) from Inspirations.  In the top layout I also used a new pleated ribbon product (Z1398) from Inspirations.  Isn't it striking?  The big butterflies are from the new stamp set Find Your Style (D1452) which is the January Stamp of the Month.  Feel free to contact me to purchase any of these products.  And don't forget that the new Spring/Summer 2011 catalog will be released February 1!  I have seen a sneak peek and you won't be disappointed!  Contact me to receive your copy when it is available!
Also, if you crave some more inspiration this month, look no further than the website Big Red Scraps at http://www.bigredscraps.ning.com/  This website features cards, projects, and layouts with Close to My Heart products.  You can search by categories and stamplift to your heart's content!
Happy stamping and scrapping!

Merry Christmas!

Well as promised here is the final family Christmas photo.  Everyone finally cooperated and I think it turned out pretty good.  May your holidays be merry and bright!

Christmas Cookies!

I've officially begun the Christmas baking.  I started today with peanut butter crisscross cookies.  My mom and grandmother (her mother) both used to bake these.  Basically they are just peanut butter cookies but you take a fork and add a crisscross hatch pattern to the top.  We kids always got to do that part.  During the Christmas season these cookies also got dressed up with some red and green sprinkle sugar.  I guess they thought this made them special for the holidays.  Mom and Granny are both gone now and I miss them terribly.  My niece, Sarah, never got to know my mom and I wish she was here to bake these with her.  My mom always had a day when all the grandkids came over and baked Christmas cookies with her.  Guess they will have to settle for Aunt Marty now!  Hopefully my brothers will both be pleased when I serve these Christmas Eve.  On to more baking!  Hug your loved ones extra hard tonight!

Family Christmas Photo

Know how hard it is to get 3 men to pose for the annual family Christmas photo?  Nearly impossible!  Hubby is in pain because he threw his back out working in the barn.  Son number 1 (in maroon) is impatient to go somewhere with his girlfriend.  Son number 2 (in front) is bored and waiting to go shoot hoops with his friends.  Talk about uncooperative!  We only do this once a year so you would think they could be a little more accomodating.  But no!  Well don't fear.  This was only the test shot while I adjusted the camera.  The real photo is coming soon!